JULIAN Cole confuses the Royal Family, a comparatively recent invention, with the monarchy, which has been on the go for the best part of a millennium and a half (February 17).

Apart from the reign of William III, consorts of monarchs have had no constitutional significance whatsoever. The present set-up does present a poser for the C of E, but since it seems to have abandoned any pretence of principle, we can be sure that the establishmentarian telescope will be screwed securely into the blind eye.

My solution to the problem would be a return to the electoral system. Throughout the many centuries when this rule was observed, only two non-royals were ever elected; four, of course, if you include Oliver I and Richard IV. I predict that in any future election Elizabeth I/II would win hands down, and even Charles III would be in with a sporting chance.

This should please Royalists and satisfy all but the most cantankerous Republicans. Human nature being what it is, even followers of that ongoing royal soap "Westenders" would still find enough material to gossip excitedly about.

William Dixon Smith,

Welland Rise,

Acomb,

York.

Updated: 10:18 Monday, February 21, 2005